Justice ministry expands prison guard training with University of Cyprus
A 13-week programme for 44 newly recruited prison officers combines theory and practical instruction, with a focus on rehabilitation.
Nicosia, Cyprus. The justice ministry is broadening training for prison guards through a 13-week course designed in collaboration with the University of Cyprus, with 44 new officers taking part. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris outlined the changes on Wednesday while visiting the school for prison guards.
Training and recruitment
The course, scheduled from September 21 until December 18, pairs classroom learning with practical instruction provided by serving prison personnel. Psychology and contemporary rehabilitation methods form part of the theoretical curriculum.
The intake comprises 39 men and five women. Of these recruits, 31 hold permanent appointments, while 13 have temporary contracts.
Focus on preventing reoffending
Addressing the trainees, Fitiris said they must work “above all, with ethics, knowledge and efficiency”.
He welcomed participation by academics from the University of Cyprus and specialist trainers, saying officers should acquire the knowledge needed to help former prisoners avoid returning to custody.
Fitiris said the aim was for people convicted of crimes to serve their sentences without committing further offences after release, and for the new officers to be equipped to support that outcome.
Staffing and security concerns
The expanded training takes place against a backdrop of concerns about staffing and security at the central prisons.
The ministry said last month that it had hired 15 guards and recruited a further 14, following reports that two guards had been assaulted over a three-day period.
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